By Sabri Dibaco
South Sudan’s U-15 boys’ national football team has begun preparations in Baku, Azerbaijan, ahead of its opening match against Nigeria on 24 October 2026 at the FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival.
In a statement from the SSFF, the young Bright Stars held their first training session on Thursday after arriving in Azerbaijan on Wednesday, marking the beginning of their final preparations for the international competition.
SSFF Board Member and Head of Delegation, Adudallha Deluesk, said the team was ready for the opening fixture and confident about representing the country.
“The team is ready for its opening match against Nigeria on 24 October 2026, assuring supporters that the players were prepared and determined to represent South Sudan with pride,” Deluesk said in the statement
The opening match against Nigeria will provide an early test of South Sudan’s preparation, discipline, and ability to compete against a strong opponent at the youth level.
For the young Bright Stars, the encounter will be about more than securing a positive result. It will also offer an opportunity to demonstrate their technical ability, tactical understanding, and mental strength on an international stage.
South Sudan’s first training session in Baku is an important step in helping the players adjust to their new environment and establish coordination before the tournament begins.
From a tactical perspective, the team will need to remain organised defensively, communicate effectively, and make good use of possession. Against Nigeria, avoiding unnecessary mistakes and maintaining concentration throughout the match could prove decisive.
The coaching staff will also need to ensure that the players manage the pressure of their opening fixture and maintain their composure, particularly during difficult moments.
However, the outcome will ultimately depend on the teams’ performances on the pitch. Nigeria’s reputation alone will not determine the result, and South Sudan will have to demonstrate its readiness through collective effort and disciplined football.
The FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival provides a platform for young footballers to gain international experience, develop their skills, and compete against players from other countries.
For South Sudan, participation offers an opportunity to strengthen youth football development and expose emerging talent to international competition.
The experience could also help identify players capable of progressing through the national team pathway in the coming years.
The opening match against Nigeria on 24 October will therefore be an important moment for the young South Sudanese players as they begin their campaign in Baku.
With the team now in training and the opening fixture approaching, supporters will be hoping the Bright Stars translate their preparation into a determined performance that reflects the country’s growing ambitions in youth football.